Why don't CDR experts ever get lost?
Because they always know how to sequester! (which apparently means to find one’s way AND capturing and storing carbon) 🤯
🌎 Welcome back to the CleanTechies PodLetter, Founder edition.
Today, we are talking to Marian Krueger of remove.
Marian Krueger comes to us with his experience investing in 120+ early stage CDR startups, and broke down what we should look for and what’s worth watching in the years ahead.
He’s a leading expert in CDR having invested in Europe, which is the leading CDR ecosystem in the world.
Sitting down with him as a blast, and for our US listeners, this episode is VERY timely with the Biden Administration’s first release on voluntary carbon markets, Enjoy 🥳👏.
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🚨Attention! 🚨 We interrupt your regular programming for an important message.
ClimateTech founders are taking on a huge challenge. Building a climate startup is highly complex but also SO NECESSARY if we are going to save the climate. Founders not only you need to understand how to build a startup, but you also need to understand how to deal with hardware, have a strong handle on climate policy, know how to fundraise from diverse investors types, etc. etc. etc…
It’s a lot.
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The Guest: Marian Krueger
Marian Krueger is the Co-Founder & Managing Director of remove, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting carbon removal entrepreneurs in Europe and beyond.
Based in Zurich, Marian has a rich background in climate and energy sectors. His journey began as a founder of a startup in the solar PV space, which used drones and AI to optimize large solar parks across Europe.
After his startup was acquired, he joined ETH Zurich's Sustainability and Business Lab, where he led decarbonization projects for hard-to-abate sectors like maritime shipping and cement.
This role inspired the creation of remove to address the (still) nascent carbon removal market by supporting startups and fostering an ecosystem for their growth.
The Company: remove
One Liner: accelerating CDR startups with ecosystem-building initiatives, policy & grants, and founder support
remove is a nonprofit accelerator co-founded and led by Marian Krüger, based in Zurich. The organization focuses on supporting CDR entrepreneurs in Europe and beyond.
remove operates by providing grants instead of taking equity, allowing startups to extend their runway and focus on survival in the nascent carbon removal market. The organization emphasizes a systemic approach, identifying and addressing gaps in the carbon removal industry, and supports a diverse range of carbon removal methods, from technological solutions like direct air capture to nature-based methods like afforestation.
remove also plays a crucial role in shaping policy and advocating for early-stage financing and regulatory support, ensuring the sector's growth and sustainability.
Do you have suggestions on future guests or topics? Leave a comment!
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📝 Show Notes:
Topics
02:41 Introduction
05:08 Challenges of the Voluntary Carbon Market
16:30 CDR Startups
17:53 Impact-Driven Motivation of CDR Founders
26:32 Gaps in the CDR Space
32:27 Role of Policy in Carbon Removal
39:03 Prioritization, Universities, and A-Teams
42:10 Collaboration and Partnerships
42:51 Takeaways
Links
This podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast.
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